The world is big and your problems aren't. Past Review

By (University of Belgrano) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is a large, encompassing place, and that worrying about small things is useless. I learned that to be true to myself I might have to work harder, but I'll be happier. I learned to keep my feet closer together and dance with energy when I move. I learned how to have conversations.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had three professors and they all greatly expanded my understanding of the Spanish language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was put with one of the best host-moms they had available, so that went pretty well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It's difficult giving up freedoms I'm used to (like preparing food and doing my own laundry in the house), but it was an important part of the cultural exchange. Also, when my bathroom flooded, that wasn't very much fun.

* Food:

The food I was fed by my host mother was always delicious, so the four stars is more of a comment on the availability of a variety of food options available in a grocery store for someone on a budget who can't cook in their house.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really could have worked more to be a part of the Argentine culture, but I think the main thing is I didn't need to try to make Argentine friends, and so the few friends I made were enough to keep me happy. I did have some Argentine friends and friends from other nationalities outside of the states, and that was wonderful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The head facilitator personally took me to the hospital when I had an earache. I felt ridiculous going to the hospital for something that was so minor, but they helped out quite a bit. Not sure if the medicine they gave me has had any positive effects, but my ear feels better now, though not perfect one month later.

* Safety:

Buenos Aires is not a safe city. I was careful and kept my things together and was not robbed, but I knew several people who were robbed, and I saw altercations take place between others on the street. I felt very fortunate to not have anyone steal my things.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I had plenty of left over money at the end of each month, and I was not exactly living the austere lifestyle.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget beforehand, make plans to travel, and set aside money to go out with people as it's one of the easiest ways to be social. Have a great time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second level of classes (200 level series at my university)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Think in the language. Use the language. If someone speaks to you in you in English, respond to them in the language of the country in which you're staying. Unless they don't speak that language, then just talk to them in whatever way makes sense.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Free food
  • A place to hang out
* What could be improved?
  • More trips
  • More free food
  • More mate
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have wanted to travel more.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!